Rotating table device and turning means therefor



Feb. 5, 1957 J. G- COVITT ET AL ROTATING TABLE DEVICE AND TURNING MEANS THEREFOR 3v Sheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. 7, 1954 INVENTOR. JACKG. COVITT 1- GERAL F. PUTNAM ATY.

Feb 5, J. G. COVETT- ETAL V ROTATING TABLE DEVICE ANDTURNING MEANS THEREFOR Filed Siiat. 7. 1954 s Sheets-Shea: 2

20 I 44 I I F m mum "i E INVENTOR.

JACK G. COVITT GERALD F. PVUTNAM ATTY.

Feb 5, 195? J. G. covlTT EIAL ROTATING TABLE DEVICE AND TURNING MEANS THEREFOR Filed Sept. '7, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. JACK e. COVITT GERALD F. PUTNAM AT TY.

United States Patent noTA'rINGTABLE DEVICE AND TURNING MEANS THEREFOR Applicationseptember 7, 1954, ScrialNo. 454,570 9 Claims. (Cl. 214-89 This invention relates to an improvement in rotating table devices. More specifically, it relates to means for rotating a table to a number of operating positions.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved rotating table which may be rotated in sequence to aseries of positions, said table including trays carried thereon, and means for moving said trays free of the table at certain intervals.

It is a still further object to provide an improved rotating table having means for rotating the said table at spaced time intervals to a series of positions.

A still further object is to provide an improved rotating table having a plurality of trays positioned thereon, the table being movable by an improved means to a position wherein one of the trays is in alignment with a raising device, the raising device being effective to remove one of the trays from the surface of the table.

These and further objects will become more readily apparent from a reading of the specification when examined in connection with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a side-elevational view, with portions in section, showing. an improved rotatable table device;

Figure 2 is a front view in elevation of the rotatable table shown in Figure 1', i

Figure 3 is a sectional view of a rotating table device, taken substantially along the line 33 of Figure l; and

Figure 4 .is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Referring now particularly to Figures 1 and 2', a rotatable table device is generally designated by the reference character 10. The device comprises a supporting structure, generally designated at. 11. The supporting structure 11 includes a plurality of laterally spaced uprights 12 which are suitably connectedto a base member 13. A lower plate 14 is seated upon the uprights 12, and rods 15 extend upwardly from the plate 14 for supporting an upper plate 16. A shaft 17 is positioned between the plates 14 and 16, .the. shaftbeing suitably journalled on thelower plate 14 by'means of a. collar 18' connected to the shaft 17 adjacent one end thereof, the said shaft extending through the lower plate14 and being suitably connected thereto by means of a nut 19. The shaft 17 is provided at its upper end'witli a shaft extension 20-to which a rotatable table 2'1 is connected.

A-rota-table member, or dr-um,-is generally designated at 22. The drum 22 comprises an outer cylindrical surface having a. plurality of slots which are circumferent-ially spaced and-extend in a vertical. direction, the slots being designated at 24. A plurality of-spirally shaped, or

. spirally extending, cam. slotsare also provided in the outer surface 23. Each cam slot 25, as best indicated in Figure 1, has one end, as indicated at 26, in communication with one of the vertical slots 24; and itsother end, as indicated at 27, in communication with an adjacent slot 24. A projecting guide member 23 is provided in each vertical slot 24 adjacent the point of communication 26.

2,780,372 Fatented Feb. 5, 1957 "ice Each guide member 28 also includes 'a raised guide surface 29, as best shown in Figure 1.

A fiuid exten'sible member 30 is positioned on the plate 14. The fluid-extensible member 30 may be of a conventional type, suitably supplied by fluid under pressure through conduits 31. The fluid-extensible member 30 includes a cylinder 32 having a movable ram 33. The ram is provided with a reduced end portion 34 to which a cam follower support 35 is connected. A pair of laterally spaced guide rods 36 are connected to the plates 14 and 16, the said guide rods 36 also extending through the cam follower support 35 whereby the said follower may be guided during its vertical movement on the said rods .36. The cam follower support 35 includes a socket 37 into which a collar 38 is threaded. T he collar 38 supports a cam follower 39 which is generally urged by means of a spring 40 in .the direction of the rotatable member 22. A pair of upwardly extending fingers 41 are securely connected to the cam follower support 35. The fingers 41 are adapted to be moved upwardly upon raising of the ram 33 through a slot 42 provided in the upper plate 16.

As the fingers 41 move upwardly, they will engage a pair of laterally spaced receiving elements 43, suitably apertured as indicated at 43, so that the ends of the fingers 41 may enter the said apertures 43' in telescoping relation. The receiving elements 43 are connected to a plurality of removable trays 44 nesting within openings 45 circumferentially disposed in the table 21.

The rotating table device, above disclosed, is particularly useful in adaptations where it is desirable to move a tray, or other receptacle, into position for receiving fluids, finely divided materials, etc. Thus, the'machine can be used in cases wherein, at a given time, the tray is removed from the rotating table and into position for receiving a desired element. Assuming now that it is desired to move the table 2il, as shown in Figure 1, in a clockwise position, the piston arm 33 is moved upwardly. The cam follower'39 has moved below the guide member 28 so that upon further upward movement of the piston arm 33, the cam follower 39 is directed to enter into one of the cam slots 25. Further upward movement of the cam follower support 35 and the cam follower 39 causes rotation of the drum, or rotatablennemher, 2 2 wherein one of the trays is moved into position, or' vertical alignment, with respect to the fingers ML Thus, in; other words, the rotatable table 21 has now beingrotated, or indexed, into position wherein one of the removable trays is in alignment with the fingers 41. Further upward movement of the piston arm 33 causes upward movement of the fingers 41' until they sag-agents receiving elements 43- of the particular tray wliiclr'is in alignment with the fingers. The fingers 41 duringtljfeupwhfdmovemient, thus serve to lift the tray 44 out of the opening 45 in which itis seated. Thus: the tray 44, which is engaged by the fingers 41, is moved upwardly, as shown'in the dotted lines of Figure 1. After material hasbeen directed to the tray 44, it is then desired to lower the fingers 4'1, and suitable valve means (not shown) is actuated to lower the piston rod, or ram, 33. The piston rod 33' thereupon lowers the fingers 4 1 whereupo'ii the tray is again seated within its particular opening 45 Downward movement of the follower 39 occurswithi-n the particular slot 24" within which it is positioned. It can beseen'that" the guide surface 29 is in the same plane as the wall'sof the spirally shaped cams 25. The guide member 28' also is raised relative to the bottom of thejslot; and as' th e'fol'lbwer moves downwardly in the slot 24, it rides on the guide member 28, beyond the saidguide member; and into the lower portion of the respective slot 24'. 7 Now, during the next upward movement of the ram 3'3,-the follower 39 will be directed into the next spiralcam recess 25 to effectuate turning movement of the rotatable member, and again to rotate the table 21 to its next position. Thus it can be seen that an effective and efficient rotating table construction has been described. The trays may be moved with the rotatable table 21 into position below a suitable dispensing member, or other device, designed to place materials into said tray. Accurate rotation of the table 21 is effected, and suitable lifting means is provided to raise the trays free of the table during the alignment of said trays with the lifting means. Thus the objects of the invention have been fully achieved, and it can be seen that changes may be made which do not depart from the spirit of the invention as disclosed or the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A rotary table device comprising a support, vertically spaced plates mounted on said support, a cylindrical member positioned between said plates, means supporting said cylindrical member for rotation about a vertical axis including a shaft connected to said cylindrical member, said shaft being journalled on said plates, said cylindrical member having a plurality of vertically extending parallel slots circumferentially spaced in the outer peripheral surface of said member, a plurality of spirally extending cam slots in said cylindrical member, each cam slot having one end portion communicating with one of the vertical slots, and another end portion communicating with an adjacent vertical slot, a table connected to said shaft for rotation therewith, said table having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings, a tray seated in each opening, a fluid-extensible member positioned adjacent said rotatable member below said table, a cam follower support connected to said extensible member, a cam follower resiliently supported on said follower support, a plurality of fingers supported on said cam follower support, said follower being movable within one cam slot upon movement of said extensible member in a first direction to rotate said cylindrical member and said table whereupon one of said openings is in vertical alignment with said fingers, said follower being further movable in one of said vertical slots during movement of said extensible member in the first direction whereby said fingers are moved and extend through one of said openings and one of said trays is engaged by said fingers and moved vertically free of said table, said follower being movable in one of said slots below said cam slots during movement of said extensible member in a second direction, and means in said vertical slots directing said cam follower into the next cam slot during the next movement of the extensible member in the first direction.

2. A rotary table device comprising a support, vertically spaced plates mounted on said support, a cylindrical member positioned between said plates, means supporting said cylindrical member for rotation about a vertical axis including a shaft connected to said cylindrical member, said shaft being journalled on said plates, said cylindrical member having a plurality of vertically extending slots circumferentially spaced in the outer peripheral surface of said member, a plurality of spirally extending cam slots in said cylindrical member, each cam slot having one end portion communicating with one of the vertical slots, and another end portion communicating with an adjacent vertical slot, a table connected to said shaft for rotation therewith, said table having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings, a tray above each opening, a fluidextensible member positioned adjacent said rotatable member, a cam follower support connected to said extensible member, and a cam follower supported on said follower support, a support finger supported on said cam follower support, said follower being movable within one cam slot upon movement of said extensible member in a first direction to rotate said cylindrical member and said table whereupon one of said openings is in vertical alignment with said finger, said follower being further movable in one of said vertical slots during movement of said extensible member in the first direction whereby said finger is moved to extend through an opening and one of said trays is engaged by said finger and moved vertically free of said table. I

3. A rotary table device comprising a support, a cylindrical member positioned on said support for rotation about a vertical axis, said cylindrical member having a plurality of vertically extending parallel slots circumferentially spaced in the outer peripheral surface of said member, a plurality of cam slots in said cylindrical member, each cam slot having one end portion communicating with one of the vertical slots, and another end portion communicating with an adjacent vertical slot, a table connected to said cylindrical member for rotation therewith, trays on said table, an extensible member, a cam follower connected to said extensible member, and a finger movable by said extensible member, said follower being movable within one cam slot upon movement of said extensible member in a first direction to rotate said cylindrical member and said table whereupon one of said trays is in vertical alignment with said finger, said follower being further movable in one of said vertical slots during movement of said extensible member in the first direction whereby said finger is moved and engages one of said trays to move the tray vertically free of said table.

4. A rotary table device comprising a support, a cylindrical member supported for rotation about a vertical axis on said support, said cylindrical member having a plurality of vertically extending slots circumferentially spaced on said member, a plurality of cam slots in said cylindrical member, each cam slot having one end portion communicating withone of the vertical slots, and another end portion communicating with an adjacent vertical slot, a table connected to said cylindrical member for rotation therewith, said table including a plurality of circumferentially spaced trays, an extensible member p0- sitioned adjacent said rotatable member, a cam follower means connected to said extensible member, a support element movable with said cam follower means, said follower means being movable within one cam slot upon movement of said extensible member in a first direction to rotate said cylindrical member and said table whereupon one of said trays is in vertical alignment with said support element, said follower means being further movable in one of said vertical slots during movement of said extensible member in the first direction whereby said support element is moved and engages one of said trays for moving the same.

5. A rotary table device comprising a support, a cylindrical member supported on said support for rotation about a vertical axis, said cylindrical member having a plurality of vertically extending parallel slots circumferentially spaced in the outer peripheral surface of said member, a plurality of spirally extending cam slots in said cylindrical member, each cam slot having one end portion communicating with one of the vertical slots, and another end portion communicating with an adjacent vertical slot, a table connected to said cylindrical member for rotation therewith, said table having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings, a tray seated in each opening-and a fiuidextensiblemember positioned adjacent said rotatable member, a cam follower supported on said extensible member, a finger supported on said cam follower, said follower being movable within one cam slot upon movement of said extensible member in a first direction to rotate said cylindrical member and said table whereupon one of said openings is in vertical alignment with said finger, said follower being further movable in one of said vertical slots during movement of said extensible member in the first direction whereby said finger is moved to extend through said opening and one of said trays is engaged by said finger and moved vertically free of said table.

6. A rotary table device comprising a support, a drum supported for rotation about a vertical axis on said support, said drum having a plurality of vertically extending parallel slots circumferentially spaced in the outer peripheral surface of said member, a plurality of spirally extending cam slots in said cylindrical member, each cam slot having one end portion communicating with one of the vertical slots, and another end portion communieating with an adjacent vertical slot, a table connected to said drum for rotation therewith, said table including a plurality of trays, an actuating member positioned adjacent said drum, a cam follower connected to said actuating means, and a supporting element on said cam follower, said follower being movable within one cam slot upon movement of said actuating member in a first direction to rotate said drum and said table whereupon one of said trays is in alignment with said supporting element, said follower being further movable in one of said vertical slots during movement of said extensible member in the first direction whereby said supporting element engages one of said trays for moving the same free of said table.

7. A rotating table device comprising a support, a drum supported on said support for rotation about a vertical axis, said drum having a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertical slots, a spirally shaped cam recess disposed on said drum between said slots, each recess having one end in communication with one slot and its other end in communication with an adjacent slot, a table supported for rotation with said drum, said table having a plurality of circumferentially disposed openings, a tray seated in each opening, a power-actuating means adjacent said drum, a cam follower connected to said actuating means, said cam follower being slidable in said slots and cam recesses, and a supporting element connected for movement with said cam follower, said cam follower being movable in a recess to effect rotation of said drum and table to position one opening in alignment with said supporting element, said cam follower being movable in an upward direction in a slot whereby said supporting element extends through an opening to engage and raise a tray free of said table, said follower being movable in a downward direction to again position said tray in said opening.

8. A rotating table device comprising a support, a drum supported on said support for rotation about a vertical axis, said drum having a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertical slots, a cam recess disposed on said drum between said slots, each recess having one end in communication with one slot and its other end in communication with an adjacent slot, a table supported for rotation with said drum, said table having a plurality of circumferentially disposed openings, a tray seated in each opening, a power-actuating means adjacent said drum, a cam follower connected to said actuating means, said cam follower being slidable in said slots and cam recesses, and a supporting element connected for movement with said cam follower, said cam follower being movable in a recess to effect rotation of said drum and table to position one opening in alignment with said supporting element, said cam follower being movable in an upward direction in a slot whereby said supporting element extends through an opening to engage and raise a tray free of said table, said follower being movable in a downward direction to again position said tray in said opening.

9. A rotating table device comprising a support, a drum supported on said support for rotation about a vertical axis, said drum having a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertical slots, a cam recess disposed on said drum between said slots, each recess having one end in communication with one slot and its other end in communication with an adjacent slot, a table supported for rotation with said drum, said table having a plurality of circumferentially disposed trays, a power-actuating means adjacent said drum, a cam follower connected to said actuating means, said cam follower being slidable in said slots and cam recesses, and a supporting element connected for movement with said cam follower, said cam follower being movable in a recess to effect rotation of said drum and table to position one tray in alignment with said supporting element, said cam follower being movable in an upward direction in a slot whereby said supporting element engages and raises a tray free of said table, said follower being movable in a downward direction to again position said tray in said opening.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,382,144 Taylor June 21, 1921 2,129,463 Bullard Sept. 6, 1938 2,556,010 Swanson June 5, 1951 2,587,672 Whitson Mar. 4, 1952 2,677,169 Cybulski May 4, 1954 2,685,994 Haumiller et al. Aug. 10, 1954 

